Library Celebrates the Life of Longtime Staff Member and Recognizes Contributions by NRPL Staff

A celebration of the life of Robert Matthew Klein, a long time staff member at the New Rochelle Public Library who passed away in 2020 took place on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at the Main Branch of the Library. 

Friends, family, and Library staff gathered for a brief program to remember Robert including remarks by Tom Geoffino, Library Director, David Torres and Chris Poggiali, Adult Librarians who worked closely with Robert, Chris Selin, President, New Rochelle Public Library Foundation, and Robert’s parents, Shelley and Fred Klein.  

“The New Rochelle Public Library was a special place for Robert – a place he truly felt welcomed and valued”, said his parents Shelley and Alfred Klein. “We are thankful to the leadership and staff at the Library who, without hesitation, welcome individuals of differing abilities like Robert and find a meaningful place for them to thrive. This celebration is not only for Robert – it is also for the library staff who so warmly embraced our son”, commented the Kleins. 

“The New Rochelle Public Library always strives to be a welcoming place for everyone. The value of inclusion is something we take very seriously”, said Geoffino. “The Library was a special place for Robert, and Robert was a special member of our Library family. I am very proud of our staff who worked with Robert as a colleague, making him – as they do everyone who walks through our doors –  feel at home”, commented Geoffino. 

In honor of Robert, the Kleins made a generous donation to the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation. The funds were used to create two study rooms on the 3rd floor for patrons to have a quiet, private space in which to work or study, and to revitalize artist Dale Zheutlin’s hanging murals that adorn the Memorial Highway side of the Library. 

“The Klein’s generous donation in honor of Robert enabled us to enhance the Library and make it a better place for everyone”, said Selin, New Rochelle Public Library Foundation. “We are grateful to the Klein’s for their philanthropy and know Robert’s legacy will live on at the Library”, commented Selin. 

The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) is a community resource that seeks to improve the life of every citizen in our city. The Library offers a comprehensive print and digital collection that includes retrospective and current materials, up-to-date technology for public use, and a wide range of community services and programs tailored to a diverse audience. Chartered in 1894, NRPL is a school-district library with its own operating budget and a Board of Trustees composed of seven elected members. It has served the 79,000 residents of New Rochelle from its Main Library building in the downtown business district since 1979. A smaller branch, located in the park in front of the New Rochelle High School, was restored through a grassroots effort and currently operates as the Huguenot Children’s Library. Learn more at nrpl.org